Panasonic has released a firmware update for the PanasonicLUMIX S9 full-frame mirrorless camera. Firmware version 1.3 increases the start-up time of the camera, which should please a lot of users.
Panasonic LUMIX S9
Panasonic launched the LUMIX S9 last year, announcing it as the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in the series. Aimed at content creators, the LUMIX S9 offers features such as in-body image stabilization with an Active IS mode to compensate for camera shake when shooting while walking
The camera also introduced a new recording format called MP4 Lite. With this, you can shoot open gate in 4:2:0 10-bit video at 30p or 25p. Also, you can load a LUT (Look Up Table) onto the LUMIX S9 to stylize your videos with the Real Time LUT function.
Firmware version 1.3
The LUMIX S9 has been very popular. However, some users have complained that the camera can be slow to start up when you first switch it on. Some online reviews reported it could take more than for seconds for the camera to power on. Although this may not seem long, it could be the difference between capturing or missing an important shot.
However, Panasonic has responded to the user feedback with firmware update version 1.3. One of the listed new features is that “the startup speed when powering on has been improved.”
Other improvements
The only other updates with firmware version 1.3 relate to security enhancements. These are:
- When directly connecting the camera and smartphone via Wi-Fi, the connection has been changed to always require password authentication. (The [Wi-Fi Password] menu has been removed.)
- The [TKIP] encryption method is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point.
- The [No Encryption] option in network authentication is no longer supported when connecting to Wi-Fi via an access point.
- The image transfer feature to PC via Wi-Fi has been removed. (Only European/Ukrainian models)
In addition, the camera’s operational stability has been improved.
What we think
It’s good to see that Panasonic has addressed users’ frustration with the startup time of the LUMIX S9. In the grand scheme of things, 4 seconds isn’t that long. However, you don’t want to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot waiting for your camera to switch on. Sometimes, it’s the little things that improve a camera’s usability, so full marks to Panasonic for listening to its user base. If you use a LUMIX S9, you should update to firmware version 1.3 as soon as possible.
Pricing and availability
Firmware version 1.3 for the LUMIX S9 is available to download for free from the Panasonic website now.
